In my classroom I use polls with different areas of questions and answers. The first poll is always very easy (what browser do you use?) and as the course moves into deeper waters I add Q & A that requires them to think a bit.
I also use verbal Q & A during my lectures that offer the students an opportunity to bring out varying opinions and thoughts about the subject matter.
Hi Denise,
All good ways to helps students see that they can achieve success if they are willing to put forth the effort. This is why they need to be connected and engaged in the course from the very beginning.
Gary
Some techniques that can be used to motivate students in class is positive reinforcement, timely feedback on assignments, clarity, enthusiasm, empathy etc.
There have been a few motivating techniques that I have used during class. One of the more effective motivating techniques is to know the background of my students in order to engage them when sharing examples during class. Engaging the students by asking them to share real world examples/experience helps to motivate as well as cause movement in knowledge sharing when taking a concept from a theoretically position to an applicable one. In the end, when someone is excited and motivated about the class, it is contagious state that spreads from student to student. When this happens, other students are more motivated and excited about the topic and wish to share his/her thoughts and views.
I do the same thing with my students. I ask them if they have something to share about the topic on hand and if they know somebody that has experienced the same situation.
As a graduate student myself, along with teaching, I share my motivation techniques that I use for studying (setting the timer to study for a certain amount of time, followed by a reward. I know - very Skinnarian). I also talk about visualization, that when I'm feeling tired of studying, or working so hard to achieve my goal, I envision my future office. I've had students write or draw their ideal massage work space when I used to teach in a semester long course. For now, I aim to praise students on their progress and point out their successes throughout the course.
I find my students are motivated when they get an opportunity to work in groups and to share their ideas with the rest of the class. They are also motivated by fun projects, YouTube videos, and interactive role-playing activities that encourage creativity.
In the business class that I teach, it's been encouraging to have students from all different backgrounds. Some of my students have been in more "real world" situation than others, so their participation in class helps engage the younger students.
HAve students get into small groups and share their experiences and expertise. Also allow the students to share in large group with one another. Always discuss successes and provide praise when earned.
I find that if I take the time to see the individual growth a students has made, and take the time to show them where they were...and where they are now... they are proud of themselves.
Relevancy, relevancy, relevancy...One can even be a little boring, scatter-brained or didactic if there is a constant lecture and demonstration connection to what each student hopes to achieve in their careers as well as their past experience. Quick and fair assessments are also a must. Rapport and content buy-in is a pre-requisite for relevancy.
What I have found to be motivating to students that just "don't get it" is to tell them how I "didn't get it" when I was learning the subject. I share with them the struggles I had while learning the topic and the frustrations I felt. I share with them that I really wanted to understand the topic and I was under the impression that I had to study and practice twice as hard as everyone else to be half as good. I Let them know that everyone grasps different concepts at different rates - but with perseverance and practice - I did it - and they can do it too. If they feel they are not alone in their struggles and there is a light at the end of the tunnel they seem to work through the confusion and appreciate when the lightbulb goes on.
Hi Amy,
I commend you for your efforts to engage your students. You kept trying different things until you found something that really engaged the students. This is what good instructional planning is all about. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I think this an excellent example
I seek to motivate my students through positive and timely feedback. As a student, I anxiously awaited my grade because it gave me an idea of how I was progression in the course. additionally, I always begin my feedback positively even if the student performs poorly. I will commend them for their effort and include ways to improve. I usually utilize the "sandwich technique". You begin by making a positive observation about something the student did well. Then you can give suggestions for areas needing improvement. Finally, you want to finish with a positive overall statement. This will motivate the student and allow them to be more receptive toward the suggestions.
Instructors can use a open forum to let the students share in their own personal experiences.
One time I had a class that was not particularly interesting, so I tried to keep them invested by focusing on the activities at the end of the chapter. I also had students write out a summary of the chapter and teach the class sometimes. None of it really seemed to work until we started a workshop on building their web pages. I projected my activities on the wall so they could follow along as they learned how to build them - that was the one time in the entire class that they seemed motivated.
Students are often disassociated with the working world and bringing that into the classroom often motivates students. One example of a technique for motivating students is guest speakers. Often guest speakers that are currently working in the field of interest serves to motivate the students to learn more about the field. Projects are also another form of motivation. Sharing ideas and projects gives a student the opportunity to explore his/her own special interests in a subject and serves to refocus their efforts.
I have found getting the students some how involved in the learning process. Sometimes this includes case studies, sometimes it is throwing out a thought provoking question at the end of class and asking them to research it on line and come with their input the next class period.
Give real world examples of how the student can use the information you are giving them. Then demonstrated how they can use it, just saying it can be done isn’t good enough. Show them and they will want it even more.
